Mike Huffington

In “Far From Limelight, Huffington Regroups” (April 16), you quote Mike Huffington saying he “stand(s) for welfare reform, cutting taxes, the line-item veto” in a possible run for governor. What surprises me is that you didn’t mention to the readers that Huffington is evidently unaware that California governors have the line-item veto. Remember? President Reagan frequently made a point of it in his campaign for a presidential line-item veto. Reporters should catch things like that.

In the Huffington political picture, I believe that this “slip” shows that he, as a non-native Californian, is not ready to govern our state. The next thing he might be caught saying is that he would like to lift the ban on the lieutenant governors running independently of the governor, or something equally foolish. Republicans should watch out for this man.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond. GERRY FORSMAN Los Angeles

I couldn’t help but laugh after reading the article. After spending $28 million of his own money last year for an office he was not qualified for, now he feels others should fund his campaign for governor in 1996.

After reading his platform of welfare reform, cutting taxes and the line-item veto I feel Huffington need not apply. All candidates favor welfare reform and cutting taxes. The state of California has had the line-item veto since 1922. Maybe Huffington’s father will bankroll his governors bid, since he’s worth about $700 million. DAVID HYMAN Sepulveda

So Huffington is planning to run for governor in 1998 on a platform that includes “welfare reform, cutting taxes, the line-item veto.” Earth to Mike: The governor already has the line-item veto! Suggestion: Move to a country of plebeians who will be dumb enough to elect you. HOWARD COHEN North Hills